Outline Itinerary

Kilimanjaro Mountain Lodge is tucked deep in the lush green banana and coffee plantations of Kyalla Village in Marangu West, in the Kilimanjaro foothills. This is a mountaineers’ hotel with essential facilities for Kili trekkers: warm rooms with showers, good food and a garden with swimming pool.

This evening there will be a climb briefing covering kit, camping arrangements, and what to expect on the mountain (climate, altitude etc), as well as tomorrow’s transfer times. This is a good chance to ask any questions you may have about the coming climb, particularly any concerns you have regarding kit.

Day 2: Start of the 7 Day Rongai Route

After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park gate, we transfer to the Rongai trailhead on Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes.

The climb begins in the village of Nale Moru (1,950m), as we follow a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest (the dry forest on Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes is quite different to the lush rainforest on Kilimanjaro’s wetter southern foothills).

The track soon starts to climb, consistently but gently, through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey (distinguishable by their long ‘cape’ of white hair and flowing white tail). The forest begins to thin out as we approach our camp, First Cave, at the edge of the moorland zone (2,650m) with dramatic views over the Kenyan plains. [3-4 hours walking; 6.5kms distance; 700m height gain]

Day 3: To Second Cave

Today’s short walk takes us up to our campsite at ‘Second Cave’ (3,450m). The walk is a steady ascent with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim.

The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse as we approach the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation. [3-4 hours walking]

Day 6: To Kibo Camp

We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite (4,700m), situated at the foot of the Kibo crater wall.

We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point (5,685m). We aim to reach Gilman’s in time to watch the sunrise over Mawenzi. After a short rest and a chance to admire the view, those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy much of Kilimanjaro’s summit area.

The descent to Kibo (4,700m) is surprisingly fast after the long ascent climb. After some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720m). [11-15 hours walking]

Day 8: Descend mountain (1 night, Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort)

A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m), the first stopping place on the popular Marangu route.